"Going overseas has taught me to adjust to a different style of basketball. It's more of a finesse game over here. If you are going to stay competitive in the WNBA, you can't afford to sit out 9 months of the year. Going overseas gives you the advantage of making a little money, staying in shape and facing some of the best competition in the world. It also gives you the opportunity to see another part of the world, and some places make you really appreciate what you have in the U.S."
Vickie Johnson - San Antonio Silver Stars, WNBA and EuroLeague All Star, Veteran of France, Israel, Italy, Hungary and Turkey
"I think it is great for players to play overseas because you grow as a person. You learn how to be dependent on yourself because you travel by yourself, outside of your comfort zone. I also think it is great because you get to see the rest of the world, and learn a lot of other cultures. I always think what a great opportunity I have to see the world, because there are a lot of people who want to, but can't because they don't have the resources to. And for us, it is like going for free. I mean they actually pay us to see the world! I love going overseas because I get to meet a lot of great people. I realized while I was in Russia that people in the world are a lot alike, but sometimes we judge people without getting to know them. Seeing other places definitely makes you appreciate what we have in America. Some people just don't know how easy we have life in America. And of course you go because of the basketball. I love the foreign game a lot. It is right up my alley because I love to run, and that is how they play overseas. I have become a lot more mature from playing overseas these last three years, because they depend on you a lot as an American player. So for as long at teams want me to play overseas, I will!"
K.B. Sharp - Indiana Fever, Veteran of Russia, Israel and France, Member of WNBA Select Tour Team to Russia
"When I was in college I caught the "traveling bug". I went with a team to the Czech Republic and never looked back after that. Once my education was finished, I couldn't wait to experience all that Europe had to offer - who would have ever guessed it would be filled with language barriers, cultural barriers, and lifestyle changes?? There is a huge difference between visiting a country for 3 weeks to play and living there for 9 months. You find that you can communicate and interact with teammates through the universal language of sport - everyone knows how to shoot hoops! Playing overseas has helped my communication skills as well as changed my acceptance levels of other cultures and people - that would not have happened if i had stayed at home and played pick-up. Plus, it's kind of cool to have friends that are all over the world - there's always a place to stay when I travel after basketball!!!"
Jolie McKeirnan - Kodak All America Finalist, Veteran of Spain, Ireland, Austria, Sweden and Finland
"I go overseas to get better, to improve different areas of my game. Overseas, with two practices a day, you have time. Playing overseas has allowed me to become a leader. When you play overseas as a foreigner, they depend on you and you have to step up your game. I love the game of basketball. I want to get better. I advise any young player who wants to get better to go overseas and play because the WNBA is getting better and if you want to be competitive in the WNBA, you have to go overseas."
"Playing basketball overseas has taken my game to the next level. It has made me an all around player due to playing different positions when needed. It has also made me a stronger player mentally and physically. When you are asked to play on a team in Europe, more than likely you will have to carry that team. It sounds like a big responsibility and it is. But, you develop great leadership skills and you learn how to stay focused through tough situations. Not only has it developed me as a player, but it has also made me a more disciplined, wise individual."
Andrea Stinson - Charlotte Sting/Detroit Shock, WNBA All Star, Veteran of France, Turkey, Italy and Austria
"Upon signing my first overseas contract, I was not sure if this was the move for me. How would I deal with being away from friends, family and the comfort of home? It was a huge step for me to take, but I took it. Now I realize just how fortunate I am to be able to experience something so different from my regular surroundings. I have definitely matured both as a person and a ballplayer.
Being that the players are from all over the world, I have been able to learn and play with and against various styles. Many teams have WNBA players, which heightens the competition. My game has definitely evolved, and I am much more confident in what I am able to bring to me team.
For me the most important thing about playing overseas has been having an open mind, as well as patience with myself and others. Dealing with things from language barriers to different foods can be very challenging, but basketball is a universal language and these women can play.
I would encourage any player to give overseas a try. There is so much to learn and money to earn, and you'll never have to wonder - what if?"
Amber Hall - former Seattle Storm/Portland Fire. Veteran of Italy and Israel. Three Time Israeli League "Player of the Year".
"Playing overseas is becoming a requirement, not a choice, to succeed in the WNBA. Coaches are encouraging their younger players to play international ball for experience, and veterans continue to play because of ties from when there wasn't a professional women's basketball league in this country."
"Playing overseas really helps your mediocre players. Your stars are going to be stars, but the middle-level players can really learn the game overseas, as well as keep up their conditioning and get some experience. I always see dramatic change in a player when they've gone overseas."
Jayda Evans - Seattle Times - Staff Reporter
